2 Backing Bands That Split From Their Main Act and Flourished

In the music industry, one way to achieve success is by sitting and performing in the shade of an already successful musician. That tactic can be executed in a multitude of different ways, but evidently, by attaching yourself to a successful act, you and or your band are more likely to achieve some success in some capacity. This is not novel or original advice, as some successful bands have done this. Specifically, some of the groups performed as backing bands for some very talented and acclaimed artists.

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The role of a backing band is simple—To support the main artist by amplifying their stage presence through the supporting instrumentals. Not too complicated, especially for a very talented band. Though this lack of freedom and autonomy can certainly cause a band to long for it even more. Luckily, these two bands got it, and they got it by starting as backing bands for other artists.

The Band

The Band became famous not only because of their exceptional playing, but also because they were the backing band for the one, the only, Bob Dylan. In 1965, The Band joined Bob Dylan on tour and introduced the world to their capability as a solo entity. Well, in 1968, they proved just that with the release of their debut album, Music from Big Pink.

Even though The Band toured with Bob Dylan again in 1974, it was by no means a career recession for them. Rather, it was seemingly a reunion that benefited both parties. Regardless, The Band introduced themselves to the world through the rather invisible role as the backing band for Bob Dylan.

Following their debut album, The Band went on to release iconic singles such as “Up On Cripple Creek”, “Ophelia”, and their iconic cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City”.

The Eagles

In the early 1970s, Linda Ronstadt was in need of a backing band. Consequently, her manager recruited Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner, better known as The Eagles. Upon being recruited to perform behind Ronstadt, the four had not yet declared themselves as The Eagles.

All four members weren’t recruited at the same time. Nevertheless, following their first show together at Disneyland in 1971, they discovered an undeniable chemistry they had to pursue. That being so, shortly after a string of shows, Frey and the rest of the band split from Ronstadt and officially formed The Eagles.

After they departed from Ronstadt, The Eagles released their debut single “Take It Easy” in 1972 and their debut self-titled album in the same year. Both pieces of music achieved significant chart success on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200. And after that, well, The Eagles dominated 70s rock ‘n’ roll.

Photo by Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns